A tragic accident involving a locomotive occurred in Lausa, Tavua, around noon yesterday, resulting in the death of a 55-year-old man and serious injuries to a 44-year-old man. The injured individual is currently receiving treatment at Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital.
Both men were employees of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) and were transporting sugarcane to the Rarawai Mill in Ba when the incident took place. Eyewitnesses reported that the locomotive derailed off the bridge of the Lausa FSC Train line.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakabo Vaisewa, as the locomotive approached the bridge, it tilted to the left and fell into a dry creek along with several cane carts, dropping approximately five meters. The men were trapped inside the locomotive, and officers from the Tavua Police and the Fire Station worked to rescue them.
SSP Vaisewa confirmed that an investigation into the incident is currently underway. National Fire Authority Chief Fire Officer Qionilau Moceitai stated that 18 firefighters were involved in the rescue operation. They utilized a block and tackle method to lift the wreckage, while FSC employees employed welding equipment to cut through steel in order to free the victims, as a crane was unable to reach the site.
An eyewitness mentioned that a wheel appeared to have detached from the axle of the locomotive, leading to the accident. Lausa advisory councilor Jai Kissun reported that the incident occurred around noon, and rescue workers succeeded in freeing the victims by 3 PM. When approached for comments, FSC CEO Bhan Pratap Singh chose not to respond regarding the accident.